Willard Suitcases / Madeline C. / Ovid talk

One of the cool things for me about Madeline’s collection is that she had the negatives for many of her photographs. The museum did a fantastic job in conserving and co-ordinating the negatives with the prints.

When I turned over this particular postcard, I was thrilled to see that she had stayed at the Prince George Hotel in New York City. I have overnighted there twice, and both were memorable. The first time I had just turned 16 and I, along with my friends Jeff, Jay, and Dennis drove to the city from Meadville and were there for a few nights. The other occasion was sometime in the early 1980s. That one got a bit weird.

Tomorrow I drive to Ovid for my talk at the public library. Edith B. Ford Library, 7pm. Hope to see you. I also expect to be there on Friday at noon for a brown bag lunch.

Hi Jon, I am really enjoying following your posts. I have gotten interested in Willard after seeing your work and read What She Left Behind and also sampled The Lives They Left Behind. I have two friends from that area. One said her parents threatened her and her siblings when they were naughty and told them they’d send the misbehaved kids to Willard if they didn’t shape up!!! Yipes.
I’m proud of your hard work.
Chris

Chris, it is so great to hear from you, and I am really excited that you are following along. I seem to remember that you have friends in Connecticut, and if you ever get out this way, please drop me a note, and I would love to drive down to say hi. All best, Jon